This Bill Could Make It Easier For NY Judges To Keep Drug Problems A Secret

New York judges can't officially get confidential help right now for stigmatized problems like drug addiction and depression.

But the state could soon have a law that would give judges some privacy when they get mental health and substance abuse treatment.

The New York State Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would make it easier for judges to get confidential assistance for alcoholism, substance abuse, and other stigmatized issues, the New York Law Journal reported.

So-called judicial assistance committees would be obligated to help the judges with these problems without revealing any of their confidential information.

Currently, the state of New York has lawyer assistance committees that give attorneys confidential help for depression, drug abuse and other problems.